Just like adults, children also often lie to avoid punishment, because parents have the responsibility to model good behavior and teach children from wrong, it’s important to teach children to be truthful. When the child lies, use the situation as a way to teach the behavior you desire.

Make a plan for dealing with lying, determine a punishment for lying. A child of six or seven might lose television or computer privileges for a day or two. Talk to your child about lying so he or she understands the importance of being truthful. Talk about how important it is to tell the truth even if he or she fears consequences. Promise your child that if he or she tells the truth about a mistake you will not punish the child as harshly.

Avoid creating situation which a child will want to lie, example if you know that a child disobeyed you do not ask the child if he or she disobeyed you. This will tempt the child to lie to try to avoid punishment, instead approach the situation without putting the child in the position of fighting the temptation to lie and instead deal directly with disobedience.

Explain a child why you are punishing him or her when he lies, give the punishment for lying that you already discussed with your child. Give punishment for disobeying also. Make both punishments separate and make sure you explain the distinction to your child so he or she understands you’re punishing he or her both lying and disobeying.